Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is wearing a new look, no thanks to governorship aspirants whose posters and billboards now adorn the nooks and cranny of the city. The new look tells the story of a hot contest among aspirants who would stop at nothing to gain higher visibility over one another across major political parties, writes Southwest Bureau Chief BISI OLADELE
New visitors to Ibadan and other major towns in Oyo State may praise the cities for their new beautiful looks. Glittering billboards and posters beam cute faces of governorship and other aspirants in all corners. They are the expression of a strong desire by many indigenes to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi in next year’s general elections.
In Ibadan, the state capital, from Adegbayi to Sango, from Ojoo to Dugbe, from Basorun to Apata, the city is adorned with these political posters showing beautiful faces, party logos and catchy phrases which were aimed at persuading readers and the entire voters to support their aspiration.
Most of them are really well crafted and beautifully designed. These qualities make choice taxing for many undiscerning voters.
One thing residents cannot take away from these posters, however, is the improved level of print design and advertising concepts. It confirms that the level of improvement in taste in the last four to eight years is tremendous.
Within the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), over 15 aspirants have their billboards and posters in strategic places in all the towns and communities across the state. They include Adebayo Adelabu, Niyi Akintola (SAN), Joseph Tegbe, Olalekan Alli, Ajiboye Omodewu, Azeez Adeduntan, Owolabi Babalola, Kehinde Olaosebikan, Sunday Dare, Wole Adejumo, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Soji Akanbi, Fatai Buhari and Soji Eniade.
While some posters and billboards have the photograph of Governor Abiola Ajimobi inserted, others don’t have. It is believed that the insertion of Ajimobi’s photograph is to further convey endorsement of the new godfather in Oyo politics.
In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seyi Makinde is the only visible aspirant whose billboards and posters beam his cool mien all over the cities and communities.
In the newly boosted African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olufemi Lanlehin, Yunus Akintunde and Aderemi Olaniyan are visible in large posters and billboards across cities and local communities.
The Alliance for Democracy (AD) has Oyedele Hakeem flaunting the party’s logo all around Ibadan while Olaiya Abideen Olaitan looks most visible in Accord Party.
Aside roundabouts, major junctions, markets and other strategically visible places, the politicians seized the opportunity of the Eid-el-Kabir ceremony to outshine one another.
Culled from The Nation.
